Fuel Sales During the World Cup & America250 with Coca-Cola Display Contest

Did you know that effective in-store displays can increase retail sales by 10-20% almost immediately after implementation?

This is the power of great visual merchandising, and exactly why we’re excited to announce the 2026 Display Contest, an opportunity for IGA retailers to transform their stores, inspire their shoppers, and compete for top awards while driving real sales impact.

Why Displays Matter More Than Ever

Purchase decisions often happen on the store floor, so it’s imperative to have displays that capture attention, relay a strong message, and are effective.

Strong displays:

• Visually hook a shopper’s attention
• Encourage impulse purchases
• Highlight key promotions and seasonal moments
• Create a more engaging shopping experience for your community

An exciting display encourages customers to try new things, resulting in short-term purchases and brand recognition in the long run. Keep reading to learn more about the display contest, or click here to jump to the webinar recap at the bottom of the page.

The 2026 Display Contest

We’re inviting grocery store owners and store teams to bring their creativity to life by building standout displays that celebrate one of these upcoming events happening in the United States this summer: America250 or FIFA World Cup.

The display contest will run from May 25-July 31, 2026.

Using inspiration like the examples in the below guide, stores can create a display that is eye-catching, thematic, shopable, and built to drive sales.

Contest Categories & Themes

This specific contest is to promote either America250 or FIFA World Cup. You know what your shoppers want most, so use those demographics to determine which theme you will choose.

America250

Coca-Cola has partnered with America250 to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the United States. This is a nation-wide commemoration of reflection, unity, and pride. The campaign theme is “Drink In America,” touching on community, regional diversity, and shared experiences.

Display must include A250 Mini Cans and BODYARMOR LTO Packages.

FIFA World Cup

POWERADE is the official sports drink of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the partnership positions the brand around soccer culture, athlete performance, and global fan engagement. The campaign theme for 2026 is centered around endurance, focus, and hydration, along with the phrase, “Power Your Fate.”

Display must include Coca-Cola sparkling beverages and POWERADE.

Either display should connect with shoppers and make it easy for them to grab everything they want from this collaboration in one place. Examples of strong displays include:

Requirements

• Display must include above beverages per category (A250: A250 Mini Cans and BODYARMOR LTO; FIFA: Coca-Cola sparkling beverages and POWERADE)
• Size and theme decoration matter, as does location, with the lobby preferred

Prizes

• Top 5 store displays win $5,000 each
• The next 10 store displays win $1,000 each
• Local bottler reps: All 15 winning store reps receive $500, payable by check directly from IGA

Display Guidelines

To qualify, your display should:

1. Be Bold & Visible
Place your display in a high-traffic area where shoppers can’t miss it.

2. Tell a Story
Use signage, props, and product grouping to create a clear theme.

3. Feature Key Products
Highlight featured brand and complementary items to drive basket size.

4. Stay Fully Stocked
Keep displays full, fresh, and shop-ready throughout the contest period.

5. Follow Brand Standards
Ensure all materials and product placements align with provided guidelines.

How to Enter

Entering is simple:

1. Build your display in-store
2. Take high-quality photos (multiple angles encouraged)
3. Submit your entry by the deadline: August 5, 2026
4. Promote your display with your team and shoppers

Judging Criteria

Displays will be evaluated based on:

• Creativity and originality
• Visual impact
• Execution and organization
• Product integration and shopability
• Alignment with theme

Tips to Win

Want to stand out? Focus on:

• Color blocking and height variation to catch attention
• Cross-merchandising to increase basket size
• Clear signage so shoppers instantly understand the offer
• Team involvement. The best displays are a team effort
• Engaging on social. Want even more eyes on your awesome work? Post your submissions on social channels and tag us. We will share across our IGA accounts!

This contest is about elevating the in-store experience and driving results where it matters most. Retailers, rally your team, get creative, and start building your winning display! We can’t wait to see what you create!